Mesenchymal stem cells as a double-edged sword in tumor growth: focusing on MSC-derived cytokines

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) show homing capacity towards tumor sites. Numerous reports indicate that they are involved in multiple tumor-promoting processes through several mechanisms, including immunosuppression; stimulation of angiogenesis; transition to cancer-associated fibroblasts; inhibition of cancer cell apoptosis; induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); and increase metastasis and chemoresistance. However, other studies have shown that MSCs suppress tumor growth by suppressing angiogenesis, incrementing inflammatory infiltration, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest, and inhibiting the AKT and Wnt signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the supportive and suppressive impacts of MSCs on tumor progression and metastasis. We also discuss MSC-based therapeutic strategies for cancer based on their potential for homing to tumor sites.

Automated summary

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have the capacity to either promote or suppress tumor growth and progression through various mechanisms. While they can contribute to tumor-promoting processes such as immunosuppression and angiogenesis, they also possess anti-tumor properties by inhibiting angiogenesis and promoting apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Researchers are exploring MSC-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment based on their potential to home to tumor sites.